AutoCyte SCREEN interactive automated primary cytology screening system. A preliminary evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a preliminary evaluation of the relative sensitivity of a new interactive automated cytology screening system (AutoCyte SCREEN, AutoCyte, Inc., Elon College, North Carolina, U.S.A.) designed as a primary screening system for AutoCyte PREP monolayer slides (AutoCyte).


METHODS
Monolayer slides were prepared and evaluated in a masked review both manually and using the automated system. Human and machine performance was monitored and measured.


RESULTS
Five hundred eighty-three monolayer preparations, including 56 clearly abnormal cases, were evaluated. The dual and combined computer and cytologist image evaluation resulted in a relatively low false positive rate, 20.8%, and 1.8% false negative rate. Use of the system was efficient, significantly reducing cytotechnologist screening time.


CONCLUSIONS
The integrated AutoCyte cell preparation and automated screening approach seems to hold significant promise for primary cytology screening applications.
Takahashi
M
M
CytoPath Science, SRL Inc., Tokyo, Japan.
Kimura
M
M
Akagi
A
A
Naitoh
M
M
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D016477:Artifacts; D001331:Automation; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology; D003585:Cell Biology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008853:Microscopy; D015588:Observer Variation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology